Chapter 1 The Structure of Medical Language
1.1 Multiple Choice Questions
1) Select the abbreviation that would not appear in a history and physical examination report.
A) ROS
B) CC
C) HIPAA
D) HPI
Answer: C
Explanation:
A) ROS does appear in a history and physical examination report.
B) CC does appear in a history and physical examination report.
C) Correct!
D) HPI does appear in a history and physical examination report.
2) Anesthesia is defined as:
A) a state of unawareness.
B) being unconscious.
C) a condition of not feeling.
D) being without pain.
Answer: C
Explanation:
A) Based on its word part meanings, this is not the correct definition of anesthesia.
B) Based on its word part meanings, this is not the correct definition of anesthesia.
C) Correct!
D) Based on its word part meanings, this is not the correct definition of anesthesia.
3) With bradycardia, there is a:
A) fast heart rate.
B) reversal of an abnormal heart rate.
C) process of recording the heart rate.
D) condition of a slow heart rate.
Answer: D
Explanation:
A) This does not describe bradycardia.
B) This does not describe bradycardia.
C) This does not describe bradycardia.
D) Correct!
4) Which suffix means the process of using an instrument to examine?
A) -scopy
B) -gram
C) -oma
D) -graphy
Answer: A
Explanation:
A) Correct!
B) The suffix –gram means a record or picture.
C) The suffix –oma means tumor; mass.
D) The suffix –graphy means process of recording.
5) The prefix that means after or behind is:
A) poly-.
B) post-.
C) pre-.
D) peri-.
Answer: B
Explanation:
A) Poly means many; much.
B) Correct!
C) Pre- means before; in front of.
D) Peri- means around.
6) Which word means inflammation of the lungs?
A) neuritis
B) hepatitis
C) pneumonitis
D) laryngitis
Answer: C
Explanation:
A) Neuritis is inflammation of a nerve.
B) Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver.
C) Correct!
D) Laryngitis is inflammation of the larynx.
7) Vertebrae means:
A) one bone of the spine.
B) more than one bone of the spine.
C) pertaining to the spine.
D) in the direction of the spine.
Answer: B
Explanation:
A) Vertebrae is the plural form of vertebra.
B) Correct!
C) Vertebrae is a noun, not an adjective.
D) Vertebrae does not mean in the direction of the spine.
8) Which is the plural form of apex?
A) apexs
B) apices
C) apis
D) apae
Answer: B
Explanation:
A) This is not the plural of apex.
B) Correct!
C) This is not the plural of apex.
D) This is not the plural of apex.
9) In the word intrahepatic, the prefix intra- means ____________ the liver.
A) between
B) below
C) beside
D) within
Answer: D
Explanation:
A) Intra- does not mean between.
B) Intra- does not mean below.
C) Intra- does not mean beside.
D) Correct!
10) The surgeon performed a laryngectomy on the:
A) skin.
B) lungs.
C) voice box.
D) nose.
Answer: C
Explanation:
A) Laryng/o- does not mean skin.
B) Laryng/o- does not mean lungs.
C) Correct! Laryng/o- means larynx or voice box.
D) Laryng/o- does not mean nose.
11) Pericardial means pertaining to ____________ the heart.
A) within
B) below
C) around
D) in front of
Answer: C
Explanation:
A) The prefix peri- does not mean within.
B) The prefix peri- does not mean below.
C) Correct!
D) The prefix peri- does not mean in front of.
12) The plural of the Latin word bronchus is:
A) bronchi.
B) bronchae.
C) bronchus.
D) broncha.
Answer: A
Explanation:
A) Correct!
B) This is not the plural of bronchus.
C) This is not the plural of bronchus.
D) This is not the plural of bronchus.
13) A gastroscopy is the process of:
A) examining the stomach with an instrument.
B) recording the activity of the stomach.
C) creating an image of the stomach using x-ray.
D) removing a part of the stomach.
Answer: A
Explanation:
A) Correct!
B) This is not the meaning of gastroscopy.
C) This is not the meaning of gastroscopy.
D) This is not the meaning of gastroscopy.
14) The definition of tachycardia is a condition:
A) behind the heart.
B) of a painful heart.
C) within the heart.
D) of a fast heart.
Answer: D
Explanation:
A) This is not the definition of tachycardia.
B) This is not the definition of tachycardia.
C) This is not the definition of tachycardia.
D) Correct!
15) HIPAA assures the patient that his/her medical information is:
A) legible.
B) accurate.
C) documented in a certain format.
D) secure.
Answer: D
Explanation:
A) The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) says nothing about
medical information being legible.
B) The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) says nothing about
medical information being accurate.
C) The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) says nothing about
medical information being documented in a certain format.
D) Correct!
16) The word part sub- is a:
A) root.
B) suffix.
C) prefix.
D) combining form.
Answer: C
Explanation:
A) Sub- is not a root.
B) Sub- is not a suffix.
C) Correct!
D) Sub- is not a combining form.
17) The physician describes the purpose of the surgery to the patient and informs the patient of
the ________.
A) risks
B) alternatives
C) possible complications
D) all of the above
Answer: D
Explanation:
A) This is true, but it is not the only correct answer.
B) This is true, but it is not the only correct answer.
C) This is true, but it is not the only correct answer.
D) Correct!
18) Five separate language skills are critical to communication. Which skill involves the
processing of medical language?
A) thinking and analyzing
B) reading
C) listening
D) speaking
Answer: A
Explanation:
A) Correct!
B) This skill involves receiving information.
C) This skill involves receiving information.
D) This skill involves relaying information.
19) Which of the following is the skill that involves relaying the medical language?
A) thinking and analyzing
B) reading
C) writing
D) listening
Answer: C
Explanation:
A) This skill involves processing information.
B) This skill involves receiving information.
C) Correct!
D) This skill involves receiving information.
20) The study of word origins is:
A) etymology.
B) medicology.
C) logistics.
D) greekology.
Answer: A
Explanation:
A) Correct!
B) There is no such word.
C) This does not pertain to word origins.
D) There is no such word.
21) Which is the foundation of a medical word?
A) prefix
B) combining vowel
C) suffix
D) combining form
Answer: D
Explanation:
A) The prefix is not the foundation.
B) The combining vowel is not the foundation.
C) The suffix is not the foundation.
D) Correct!
22) All of the following is true about a medical record except:
A) it is a medicolegal record.
B) it contains medical documents.
C) it has more extensive documentation in the physician’s office than in the hospital.
D) it can be used in a court of law.
Answer: C
A) This is a true statement.
B) This is a true statement.
C) Correct! Hospitals use more extensive documentation than physician’s offices.
D) This is a true statement.
23) The combining form mamm/o- means:
A) nose.
B) retina.
C) face.
D) breast.
Answer: D
Explanation:
A) Mamm/o- does not mean nose.
B) Mamm/o- does not mean retina.
C) Mamm/o- does not mean face.
D) Correct!
24) The combining form hepat/o- means:
A) blood.
B) liver.
C) kidney.
D) urine.
Answer: B
Explanation:
A) Hepat/o- does not mean blood.
B) Correct!
C) Hepat/o- does not mean kidney.
D) Hepat/o- does not mean urine.
25) The suffix -oma means:
A) tumor, mass.
B) enlargement.
C) cancer.
D) disease.
Answer: A
Explanation:
A) Correct!
B) The suffix –megaly means enlargement.
C) The suffix -oma does not mean cancer.
D) The suffix -oma does not mean disease.
26) If a physician wanted to put the plural form of the Latin word vertebra in a patient's medical
record, he/she would write:
A) vertebrices.
B) vertebrax.
C) vertebraes.
D) vertebrae.
Answer: D
Explanation:
A) This is not the plural form.
B) This is not the plural form.
C) This is not the plural form.
D) Correct!
27) Which is the plural form for the Latin word testis?
A) testes
B) testium
C) testises
D) testices
Answer: A
Explanation:
A) Correct!
B) This is not the plural form.
C) This is not the plural form.
D) This is not the plural form.
28) The abbreviation CPR means:
A) computerized patient record.
B) computerized patient report.
C) computerized paper record.
D) central paper repository.
Answer: A
Explanation:
A) Correct!
B) CPR does not mean this.
C) CPR does not mean this.
D) CPR does not mean this.
29) The abbreviation HIPAA means:
A) Health Improvement for Pediatric and Adults Act.
B) Healthcare Improvement for Performance, Accountability, and Assessment.
C) Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.
D) Health Insurance Performance and Accuracy Act.
Answer: C
Explanation:
A) This is not the meaning of the abbreviation HIPAA.
B) This is not the meaning of the abbreviation HIPAA.
C) Correct!
D) This is not the meaning of the abbreviation HIPAA.
30) The abbreviation CC means:
A) clinical copy.
B) central complaint.
C) chief complaint.
D) computerized copy.
Answer: C
Explanation:
A) This is not the meaning of the abbreviation CC.
B) This is not the meaning of the abbreviation CC.
C) Correct!
D) This is not the meaning of the abbreviation CC.
31) The plural form for the word phalanx is:
A) phalanxs.
B) phalanices.
C) phalanges.
D) phalanx.
Answer: C
Explanation:
A) This is not the plural form.
B) This is not the plural form.
C) Correct!
D) This is not the plural form.
32) The combining form ven/o- means:
A) vein.
B) artery.
C) blood vessel.
D) leg.
Answer: A
Explanation:
A) Correct!
B) The combining form for artery is arteri/o-.
C) The combining form ven/o- does not mean blood vessel.
D) There is no combining form for leg.
33) The suffix -gram means:
A) process of recording.
B) a record or picture.
C) x-ray.
D) instrument used to examine.
Answer: B
Explanation:
A) The suffix –graphy not –gram, means process of recording.
B) Correct!
C) The suffix –gram does not mean x-ray.
D) The suffix –scope means instrument used to examine.
34) Which word means enlargement of the liver?
A) hepatomegaly
B) cardiomegaly
C) intestinomegaly
D) mammomegaly
Answer: A
Explanation:
A) Correct!
B) Cardiomegaly means enlargement of the heart.
C) There is no such medical word.
D) There is no such medical word.
35) The word endotracheal means pertaining to within the:
A) stomach.
B) trachea.
C) vein.
D) blood vessel.
Answer: B
Explanation:
A) Trache/o- does not mean stomach.
B) Correct!
C) Trache/o- does not mean vein.
D) Trache/o- does not mean blood vessel.
36) The prefix brady- means:
A) enlargement.
B) fast.
C) many.
D) slow.
Answer: D
Explanation:
A) The suffix -megaly means enlargement.
B) The prefix tachy- means fast.
C) The prefix poly- means many; much.
D) Correct!
37) The prefix dys- means:
A) bad.
B) good or normal.
C) painful, difficult, or abnormal.
D) new.
Answer: C
Explanation:
A) Dys- does not mean bad.
B) Dys- does not mean good.
C) Correct!
D) Dys- does not mean new.
38) Which basic rule is correct for building medical words?
A) Join the prefix to the beginning of the combining form.
B) Join the prefix to the end of the combining form.
C) Join the suffix to the beginning of the combining form.
D) Always add a hyphen along with the prefix.
Answer: A
Explanation:
A) Correct!
B) This is not a rule for building a medical word.
C) This is not a rule for building a medical word.
D) This is not a rule for building a medical word.
39) The origin of medical language is in:
A) Latin.
B) Greek.
C) Latin and Greek.
D) many languages, including Latin and Greek.
Answer: D
Explanation:
A) This is not the only language.
B) This is not the only language.
C) These are not the only languages.
D) Correct!
40) The medical word part that gives a medical word its meaning is the:
A) prefix.
B) suffix.
C) hyphen.
D) combining form.
Answer: D
Explanation:
A) The prefix does not give the word its meaning.
B) The suffix does not give the word its meaning.
C) The hyphen is in the word part but not in the medical word.
D) Correct!
41) The combining form in the word pneumonia means:
A) mind.
B) lung or air.
C) condition; state; thing.
D) infection.
Answer: B
Explanation:
A) The combining form pneumon/o- does not mean mind.
B) Correct!
C) The suffix –ia, not the combining form, means condition, state, or thing.
D) The combining form pneumon/o- does not mean infection.
42) Knowledge and use of medical language includes:
A) spelling medical words.
B) analyzing medical words.
C) pronouncing medical words.
D) all of the above
Answer: D
Explanation:
A) This is not the only correct answer.
B) This is not the only correct answer.
C) This is not the only correct answer.
D) Correct!
43) The parts of a combining form include the:
A) root and a suffix.
B) prefix and a hyphen.
C) root and the combining vowel.
D) suffix and a combining vowel.
Answer: C
Explanation:
A) A suffix is a word part itself and not part of a combining form.
B) A prefix is a word part itself and not part of a combining form.
C) Correct!
D) A suffix is a word part itself and not part of a combining form.
44) Which of the following is an example of a combining form?
A) intraB) -ectomy
C) ven/oD) polyAnswer: C
Explanation:
A) Intra- is a prefix, not a combining form.
B) This is a suffix, not a combining form.
C) Correct!
D) Poly- is a prefix, not a combining form.
45) Which of the following is an example of a suffix?
A) -ia
B) postC) dysD) nas/oAnswer: A
Explanation:
A) Correct!
B) The prefix post- is not a suffix.
C) The prefix dys- is not a suffix.
D) The combining form nas/o- is not a suffix.
46) Suffixes such as -iatry, -ist, and -logy are related to:
A) medical specialties or specialists.
B) procedures or instruments.
C) diseases.
D) colors.
Answer: A
Explanation:
A) Correct!
B) These suffixes are not related to procedures or instruments.
C) These suffixes are not related to diseases.
D) These suffixes are not related to colors.
47) Prefixes such as hypo- and poly- indicate:
A) time or speed.
B) a characteristic.
C) amount or number.
D) weight.
Answer: C
Explanation:
A) These prefixes do not indicate time or speed.
B) These prefixes do not indicate a characteristic.
C) Correct!
D) These prefixes do not indicate a weight.
48) The prefixes anti- and dys- belong to a category that describes:
A) degree or quality.
B) amount or size.
C) time or speed.
D) all of the above.
Answer: A
Explanation:
A) Correct!
B) These prefixes do not describe amount or size.
C) These prefixes do not describe time or speed.
D) These prefixes only belong to one of the categories above.
49) Which suffix means process of recording?
A) -pathy
B) -graphy
C) -ation
D) -iatry
Answer: B
Explanation:
A) This suffix means disease; suffering.
B) Correct!
C) This suffix means a process; being or having.
D) This suffix means medical treatment.
50) Medical words are defined by analyzing them, beginning with the meaning of the:
A) prefix.
B) combining form.
C) suffix.
D) Latin singular.
Answer: C
Explanation:
A) Analysis does not begin with the prefix.
B) Analysis does not begin with the combining form.
C) Correct!
D) The Latin singular is not related to analyzing and defining a medical word.
51) Medical words are derived from ancient or older versions of languages such as:
A) Greek and Latin.
B) English.
C) French and Dutch.
D) all of the above
Answer: D
Explanation:
A) These are not the only languages.
B) This is not the only language.
C) These are not the only languages.
D) Correct!
52) Which word is an example of a Latin singular noun?
A) diagnoses.
B) phalanx
C) carcinoma
D) nucleus
Answer: D
Explanation:
A) This is a Latin plural noun.
B) This is a Greek singular noun.
C) This is a Greek singular noun.
D) Correct!
53) Which word is an example of a Greek singular noun?
A) ganglion
B) atrium
C) bronchi
D) testis
Answer: A
Explanation:
A) Correct!
B) This is a Latin singular noun.
C) This is a Latin plural noun.
D) This is a Latin singular noun.
54) The medical word diverticulum is a Latin noun. You would make the plural form by
changing the word ending -um to:
A) -a.
B) -ices.
C) -us.
D) -ae.
Answer: A
Explanation:
A) Correct!
B) This is not the correct plural ending for this Latin noun.
C) This is a singular, not a plural, ending.
D) This is not the correct plural ending for this Latin noun.
55) Which of the following is a disadvantage of the paper medical record?
A) Only one person at a time can access information from it.
B) It can become lost.
C) It can take time to retrieve it, if it is stored in an off-site location.
D) all of the above
Answer: D
Explanation:
A) This is true, but it is not the only disadvantage.
B) This is true, but it is not the only disadvantage.
C) This is true, but it is not the only disadvantage.
D) Correct!
56) Which abbreviation stands for the federal regulation that says that health information must be
kept secure?
A) CPR
B) HIPAA
C) EHR
D) HPI
Answer: B
Explanation:
A) CPR (computerized patient record) is not a federal regulation.
B) Correct!
C) EHR (electronic health record) is not a federal regulation.
D) HPI (history of present illness) is a heading in a medical record.
57) The combining form append/o means:
A) surgical excision.
B) appendix.
C) hanging.
D) intestine.
Answer: B
Explanation:
A) The suffix -ectomy means surgical excision.
B) Correct!
C) Append/o- does not mean hanging.
D) Append/o- does not mean intestine.
58) The combining form arthr/o- means:
A) artery.
B) abdomen.
C) bone.
D) joint.
Answer: D
Explanation:
A) Arthr/o- does not mean artery.
B) Arthr/o- does not mean abdomen.
C) Arthr/o- does not mean bone.
D) Correct!
59) The combining form cardi/o- means:
A) chest.
B) heart.
C) lungs.
D) rib.
Answer: B
Explanation:
A) Cardi/o- does not mean chest.
B) Correct!
C) Cardi/o- does not mean lungs.
D) Cardi/o- does not mean rib.
60) The combining form communicat/o- means:
A) communication.
B) impart; transmit.
C) listening; hearing.
D) speech.
Answer: B
Explanation:
A) Communicat/o- does not mean communication.
B) Correct!
C) Communicat/o- does not mean listening; hearing.
D) Communicat/o- does not mean speech.
61) The combining form cutane/o- means:
A) connective tissue.
B) medicine.
C) skin.
D) underneath.
Answer: C
Explanation:
A) Cutane/o- does not mean connective tissue.
B) Cutane/o- does not mean medicine.
C) Correct!
D) The prefix sub- means underneath.
62) The combining form esthes/o- means:
A) medicine; drug.
B) sensation; feeling.
C) surgery.
D) touch.
Answer: B
Explanation:
A) Esthes/o- does not mean medicine; drug.
B) Correct!
C) Esthes/o- does not mean surgery.
D) Esthes/o- does not mean touch.
63) The combining form gastr/o- means:
A) abdomen.
B) gas.
C) nerve.
D) stomach.
Answer: D
Explanation:
A) Gastr/o- does not mean abdomen.
B) Gastr/o- does not mean gas.
C) Gastr/o- does not mean nerve.
D) Correct!
64) The combining form for uterus is:
A) lapar/o-.
B) cholecyst/o-.
C) hyster/o-.
D) muscul/o-.
Answer: C
Explanation:
A) Lapar/o- does not mean uterus.
B) Cholecyst/o- does not mean uterus.
C) Correct!
D) Muscul/o- does not mean uterus.
65) The combining form laryng/o- means:
A) breast.
B) larynx (voice box).
C) abdomen.
D) digestion.
Answer: B
Explanation:
A) Laryng/o- does not mean breast.
B) Correct!
C) Laryng/o- does not mean abdomen.
D) Laryng/o- does not mean digestion.
66) The combining form medic/o- means:
A) nourishment.
B) drug; prescription.
C) health.
D) physician; medicine.
Answer: D
Explanation:
A) Nutri/o- means nourishment.
B) Medic/o- does not mean drug; prescription.
C) Medic/o- does not mean health.
D) Correct!
67) The combining form neur/o- means:
A) nerve.
B) sensation; feeling.
C) pressure.
D) pain.
Answer: A
Explanation:
A) Correct!
B) Esthes/o- means sensation; feeling.
C) Tens/o- means pressure.
D) Neur/o- does not mean pain.
68) The combining form pneumon/o- means:
A) breathe.
B) eating; swallowing.
C) paralysis.
D) lung; air.
Answer: D
Explanation:
A) Spir/o- means breathe.
B) Phag/o- means eating; swallowing.
C) Pleg/o- means paralysis.
D) Correct!
69) The combining form psych/o- means:
A) brain.
B) head.
C) mind.
D) thinking.
Answer: C
Explanation:
A) Psych/o- does not mean brain.
B) Psych/o- does not mean head.
C) Correct!
D) Psych/o- does not mean thinking.
70) The combining form thyroid/o- means:
A) thyroid gland.
B) joint.
C) gallbladder.
D) therapy.
Answer: A
Explanation:
A) Correct!
B) Arthr/o- means joint.
C) Cholecyst/o- means gallbladder.
D) Thyroid/o- does not mean therapy.
71) The combining form tonsill/o- means:
A) infection.
B) mouth.
C) throat.
D) tonsil.
Answer: D
Explanation:
A) Tonsill/o- does not mean infection.
B) Tonsill/o- does not mean mouth.
C) Tonsill/o- does not mean throat.
D) Correct!
72) The combining form urin/o- means:
A) urinary system.
B) urine.
C) urine; urinary system.
D) kidney.
Answer: C
Explanation:
A) This is not the only correct answer.
B) This is not the only correct answer.
C) Correct!
D) Urin/o- does not mean kidney.
73) A healthcare facility can release a patient’s medical record information only to:
A) an authorized healthcare provider.
B) the patient’s insurance company.
C) a healthcare quality monitoring organization.
D) all of the above.
Answer: D
Explanation:
A) This is true, but it is not the only correct answer.
B) This is true, but it is not the only correct answer.
C) This is true, but it is not the only correct answer.
D) Correct!
74) Communication in any language consists of:
A) two language skills.
B) three language skills.
C) four language skills.
D) five language skills.
Answer: D
Explanation:
A) This is not correct.
B) This is not correct.
C) This is not correct.
D) Correct!
75) Which of the following is not a medical word part?
A) combining form
B) plural
C) prefix
D) suffix
Answer: B
Explanation:
A) A combining form is a word part.
B) Correct!
C) A prefix is a word part.
D) A suffix is a word part.
76) If a medical word has a suffix, the suffix is found:
A) at the beginning of the medical word.
B) at the ending of the medical word.
C) in the middle of the medical word.
D) anywhere in the medical word.
Answer: B
Explanation:
A) A suffix is not at the beginning of the medical word.
B) Correct!
C) A suffix is not in the middle of the medical word.
D) A suffix cannot be just anywhere in the medical word.
77) Combining forms:
A) modify the meaning of the prefix and the suffix.
B) modify the meaning of the prefix.
C) modify the meaning of the suffix.
D) provide the medical meaning of the word.
Answer: D
Explanation:
A) Prefixes and suffixes modify the meaning of the combining form, not the other way around.
B) Prefixes modify the meaning of the combining form, not the other way around.
C) Suffixes modify the meaning of the combining form, not the other way around.
D) Correct!
78) A suffix:
A) can be a single letter or a group of letters.
B) can be placed anywhere in the medical word.
C) must be a single letter.
D) modifies the meaning of the prefix in the word.
Answer: A
Explanation:
A) Correct!
B) A suffix is only found at the end of a medical word.
C) A suffix can be a single letter or a group of letters.
D) A suffix does not modify the meaning of the prefix.
79) The suffix -ac means:
A) condition.
B) disease.
C) pertaining to.
D) process.
Answer: C
Explanation:
A) The suffix -ac does not mean condition.
B) The suffix -ac does not mean disease.
C) Correct!
D) The suffix -ac does not mean process.
80) The suffix -al means:
A) enlargement.
B) pertaining to.
C) state of.
D) surgical excision.
Answer: B
Explanation:
A) The suffix -megaly means enlargement.
B) Correct!
C) The suffix -al does not mean state of.
D) The suffix -ectomy means surgical excision.
81) The suffix -ary means:
A) pertaining to.
B) one who specializes in.
C) many; much.
D) process of.
Answer: A
Explanation:
A) Correct!
B) The suffix -ist means one who specializes in.
C) The prefix poly- means many; much.
D) The suffix -ary does not mean process of.
82) The suffix -ation means:
A) a process; being or having.
B) disease; suffering.
C) inflammation of; infection of.
D) pertaining to.
Answer: A
Explanation:
A) Correct!
B) The suffix -pathy means disease; suffering.
C) The suffix -itis means inflammation of; infection of.
D) The suffix -ation does not mean pertaining to.
83) The suffix -ic means:
A) instrument used to examine.
B) knowledge.
C) pertaining to.
D) process of cutting or making an incision.
Answer: C
Explanation:
A) The suffix -scope means instrument used to examine.
B) The suffix -ic does not mean knowledge.
C) Correct!
D) The suffix -tomy means process of cutting or making an incision.
84) The suffix -ous means:
A) within.
B) breathe.
C) action; condition.
D) pertaining to.
Answer: D
Explanation:
A) The prefix intra- means within.
B) The combining form spir/o- means breathe.
C) The suffix –ion means action; condition.
D) Correct!
85) The suffix -ia means:
A) medical treatment.
B) condition; state; thing.
C) a process; being or having.
D) a record or picture.
Answer: B
Explanation:
A) The suffix –iatry means medical treatment.
B) Correct!
C) The suffix -ation means a process; being or having.
D) The suffix -gram means a record or picture.
86) The suffix -ism means:
A) many; much.
B) one who specializes in.
C) process; disease from a specific cause.
D) the study of.
Answer: C
Explanation:
A) The prefix poly- means many; much.
B) The suffix -ist means one who specializes in.
C) Correct!
D) The suffix -logy means the study of.
87) The suffix -itis means:
A) inflammation of; infection of.
B) medical treatment.
C) disease; suffering.
D) swelling; inflammation of.
Answer: A
Explanation:
A) Correct!
B) The suffix -iatry means medical treatment.
C) The suffix -pathy means disease; suffering.
D) The suffix -itis does not mean swelling.
88) The suffix -megaly means:
A) inflammation of.
B) enlargement.
C) swelling.
D) process of recording.
Answer: B
Explanation:
A) The suffix -itis means inflammation of; infection of.
B) Correct!
C) The suffix -megaly does not mean swelling.
D) The suffix -graphy means process of recording.
89) Which of the following statements is true?
A) Cost/o- and muscul/o- both mean muscle.
B) Lapar/o- and append/o- both mean appendix.
C) Gastr/o- and hepat/o- both mean stomach.
D) Enter/o- and intestin/o- both mean intestine.
Answer: D
Explanation:
A) Only muscul/o- means muscle.
B) Only append/o- means appendix.
C) Only gastr/o- means stomach.
D) Correct!
90) The suffix -osis means:
A) condition; abnormal condition; process.
B) process of breaking down or destroying.
C) condition; state; thing.
D) pertaining to.
Answer: A
Explanation:
A) Correct!
B) The suffix –lysis means process of breaking down or destroying.
C) The suffix -ia means condition; state; thing.
D) The suffix -osis does not mean pertaining to.
91) The suffix -pathy means:
A) many; much.
B) disease; suffering.
C) inflammation of; infection of.
D) condition; abnormal condition; process.
Answer: B
Explanation:
A) The prefix poly- means many; much.
B) Correct!
C) The suffix -itis means inflammation of; infection of.
D) The suffix -osis means condition; abnormal condition; process.
92) The suffix -ectomy means:
A) instrument.
B) pertaining to.
C) operation.
D) surgical excision.
Answer: D
Explanation:
A) The suffix -ectomy does not mean instrument.
B) The suffix -ectomy does not mean pertaining to.
C) The suffix -ectomy does not mean operation.
D) Correct!
93) The suffix -graphy means:
A) process of recording.
B) medical treatment.
C) process of measuring.
D) action; condition.
Answer: A
Explanation:
A) Correct!
B) The suffix -graphy does not mean medical treatment.
C) The suffix -metry means process of measuring.
D) The suffix -ion means action; condition.
94) The suffix -iatry means:
A) one who specializes in.
B) surgically created opening.
C) medical treatment.
D) pertaining to.
Answer: C
Explanation:
A) The suffix -ist means one who specializes in.
B) The suffix -stomy means surgically created opening.
C) Correct!
D) The suffix -iatry does not pertaining to.
95) The suffix -logy means:
A) knowledge.
B) mind.
C) process of measuring.
D) the study of.
Answer: D
Explanation:
A) The suffix -logy does not mean knowledge.
B) The combining form psych/o- means mind.
C) The suffix -metry means process of measuring.
D) Correct!
96) The suffix -scopy means:
A) process of using an instrument to examine.
B) process of measuring.
C) process of recording.
D) instrument used to examine.
Answer: A
Explanation:
A) Correct!
B) The suffix -metry means process of measuring.
C) The suffix -graphy means process of recording.
D) The suffix -scope means instrument used to examine.
97) The suffix -stomy means:
A) mouth.
B) pertaining to.
C) process of using an instrument to examine.
D) surgically created opening.
Answer: D
Explanation:
A) The suffix -stomy does not mean mouth.
B) The suffix -stomy does not mean pertaining to.
C) The suffix -scopy means process of using an instrument to examine.
D) Correct!
98) Which of the following statements regarding prefixes is true?
A) All medical words must contain at least one prefix.
B) A medical word cannot contain more than one prefix.
C) Not every medical word contains a prefix; it is an optional medical word part.
D) Prefixes are found at the end of a medical word.
Answer: C
Explanation:
A) Some medical words do not contain a prefix.
B) Some medical words contain two prefixes.
C) Correct!
D) Suffixes are found at the end of a medical word.
99) Which of the following statements concerning prefixes is false?
A) All medical words must have a prefix.
B) Prefixes are at the beginning of the medical word.
C) Prefixes can be a single letter.
D) Prefixes modify the meaning of the combining form.
Answer: A
Explanation:
A) Correct!
B) This is a true statement.
C) This is a true statement.
D) This is a true statement.
100) Which of the following statements about prefixes is true?
A) A prefix can be found anywhere in the medical word.
B) A prefix can be found at the end of a medical word.
C) A prefix can be found at the beginning of the medical word.
D) A prefix can be found in the middle of the medical word.
Answer: C
Explanation:
A) This statement is not true.
B) This statement is not true.
C) Correct!
D) This statement is not true.
101) A prefix:
A) has its own meaning as the foundation of the medical word.
B) modifies the meaning of the combining form.
C) modifies the meaning of the second prefix, if two prefixes are present.
D) modifies the meaning of the suffix.
Answer: B
Explanation:
A) A prefix is not the foundation of the medical word.
B) Correct!
C) A prefix modifies the combining form.
D) A prefix modifies the combining form.
102) The prefix intra- means:
A) before; in front of.
B) pertaining to.
C) between.
D) within.
Answer: D
Explanation:
A) The prefix pre- means before; in front of.
B) Only suffixes have a definition of pertaining to.
C) The prefix inter- means between.
D) Correct!
103) The prefix peri- means:
A) around.
B) away from; without.
C) within.
D) without; not.
Answer: A
Explanation:
A) Correct!
B) The prefix a- means away from; without.
C) The prefix intra- means within.
D) The prefix an- means without; not.
104) The prefix sub- means:
A) above; more than normal.
B) after; behind.
C) below; underneath; less than.
D) innermost; within.
Answer: C
Explanation:
A) The prefix hyper- means above; more than normal.
B) The prefix post- means after; behind.
C) Correct!
D) The prefix endo- means innermost; within.
105) The prefix an- means:
A) away from; without.
B) pertaining to.
C) reversal of; without.
D) without; not.
Answer: D
Explanation:
A) The prefix a- means away from; without.
B) Only suffixes have a definition of pertaining to.
C) The prefix de- means reversal of; without.
D) Correct!
106) The prefix hyper- means:
A) above; more than normal.
B) after; behind.
C) below; deficient.
D) many; much.
Answer: A
Explanation:
A) Correct!
B) The prefix post- means after; behind.
C) The prefix hypo- means below; deficient.
D) The prefix poly- means many; much.
107) The prefix hypo- means:
A) bad; inadequate.
B) after; behind.
C) below; deficient.
D) slow.
Answer: C
Explanation:
A) The prefix mal- means bad; inadequate.
B) The prefix post- means after; behind.
C) Correct!
D) The prefix brady- means slow.
108) The prefix poly- means:
A) four.
B) painful; difficult; abnormal.
C) three.
D) many; much.
Answer: D
Explanation:
A) The prefix quadri- means four.
B) The prefix dys- means painful; difficult; abnormal.
C) The prefix tri- means three.
D) Correct!
109) All of the following combining forms are related to structures located in the head or neck
except:
A) laryng/o-.
B) nas/o-.
C) psych/o-.
D) hyster/o-.
Answer: D
Explanation:
A) Laryng/o- means larynx (voice box), which is located in the neck.
B) Nas/o- means nose which is located in the head.
C) Psych/o- means mind, which is located in the head.
D) Correct!
110) The prefix re- means:
A) again and again.
B) many; much.
C) reversal of; without.
D) across; through.
Answer: A
Explanation:
A) Correct!
B) The prefix poly- means many; much.
C) The prefix de- means reversal of; without.
D) The prefix trans- means across; through.
111) The prefix post- means:
A) after; behind.
B) before; in front of.
C) upon; above.
D) against.
Answer: A
Explanation:
A) Correct!
B) The prefix pre- means before; in front of.
C) The prefix epi- means upon; above.
D) The prefix anti- means against.
112) The prefix tachy- means:
A) fast.
B) pertaining to.
C) slow.
D) three.
Answer: A
Explanation:
A) Correct!
B) Only a suffix has a definition of pertaining to.
C) The prefix brady- means slow.
D) The prefix tri- means three.
113) All of the following prefixes are related to a number except:
A) quadri-.
B) bi-.
C) mono-.
D) eu-.
Answer: D
Explanation:
A) The prefix quadri- means four.
B) The prefix bi- means two.
C) The prefix mono- means one; single.
D) Correct!
114) The prefix anti- means:
A) against.
B) between.
C) around.
D) across; through.
Answer: A
Explanation:
A) Correct!
B) The prefix inter- means between.
C) The prefix peri- means around.
D) The prefix trans- means across; through.
115) Which of the following pairs of prefixes have an opposite meaning?
A) sub-, postB) bi-, intraC) anti-, polyD) brady-, tachyAnswer: D
Explanation:
A) These do not have an opposite meaning.
B) These do not have an opposite meaning.
C) These do not have an opposite meaning.
D) Correct!
116) Which of the following pairs of prefixes have an opposite meaning?
A) eu-, malB) mono-, preC) anti-, dysD) tachy-, triAnswer: A
Explanation:
A) Correct!
B) These do not have an opposite meaning.
C) These do not have an opposite meaning.
D) These do not have an opposite meaning.
117) Suffixes and their meanings can be grouped into all of these categories except:
A) diseases and conditions.
B) location or direction.
C) medical specialties.
D) diagnostic, medical, and surgical procedures.
Answer: B
Explanation:
A) This is a category of suffixes.
B) Correct!
C) This is a category of suffixes.
D) This is a category of suffixes.
118) Prefixes and their meanings can be grouped into all of these categories except:
A) amount, number, or speed.
B) location or direction.
C) medical specialties.
D) degree or quality.
Answer: C
Explanation:
A) This is a category of prefixes.
B) This is a category of prefixes.
C) Correct!
D) This is a category of prefixes.
119) Which word parts do you need to build a medical word that means condition of a fast heart?
A) -ion, brady-, intestin/oB) -itis, poly-, arthr/oC) -logy, dys-, muscul/oD) -ia, tachy-, card/iAnswer: D
Explanation:
A) These words parts do not mean condition of a fast heart rate.
B) These word parts do not mean condition of a fast heart rate.
C) These word parts do not mean condition of a fast heart rate.
D) Correct!
120) Which word parts do you need to build a medical word that means disease of the joint?
A) -itis, append/oB) -pathy, arthr/oC) -scope, colon/oD) -graphy, mamm/oAnswer: B
Explanation:
A) These word parts do not mean disease of the joint.
B) Correct!
C) These word parts do not mean disease of the joint.
D) These word parts do not mean disease of the joint.
121) Which word parts do you need to build a medical word that means process of cutting or
making an incision in the abdomen?
A) -tomy, lapar/oB) -ectomy, intestin/oC) -scopy, gastr/oD) -osis, spir/oAnswer: A
Explanation:
A) Correct!
B) These word parts do not mean process of cutting or making an incision in the abdomen.
C) These word parts do not mean process of cutting or making an incision in the abdomen.
D) These word parts do not mean process of cutting or making an incision in the abdomen.
122) Which word parts do you need to build a medical word that means medical treatment for
the mind?
A) -ist, therap/oB) -ia, de-, ment/oC) -iatry, psych/oD) -ia, an-, esthes/oAnswer: C
Explanation:
A) These words parts do not mean medical treatment for the mind.
B) These word parts do not mean medical treatment for the mind.
C) Correct!
D) These word parts do not mean medical treatment for the mind.
123) Which word parts do you need to build a medical word that means surgical excision of the
uterus?
A) -ia, dys-, phag/oB) -tomy, cholecyst/oC) -ation, urin/oD) -ectomy, hyster/oAnswer: D
Explanation:
A) These word parts do not mean surgical excision of the uterus.
B) These word parts do not mean surgical excision of the uterus.
C) These word parts do not mean surgical excision of the uterus.
D) Correct!
124) Which word parts do you need to build a medical word that means tumor of the liver?
A) -itis, enter/oB) -oma, hepat/oC) -gram, mamm/oD) -ectomy, laryng/oAnswer: B
Explanation:
A) These word parts do not mean tumor of the liver.
B) Correct!
C) These word parts do not mean tumor of the liver.
D) These word parts do not mean tumor of the liver.
125) Which word means pertaining to the heart?
A) cardive
B) cardious
C) cardiac
D) cardiary
Answer: C
Explanation:
A) This is misspelled.
B) This is misspelled.
C) Correct!
D) This is misspelled.
126) Which word means pertaining to the muscle?
A) muscular
B) musculal
C) musculive
D) musculary
Answer: A
Explanation:
A) Correct!
B) This is misspelled.
C) This is misspelled.
D) This is misspelled.
127) Which syllable is the primary accented syllable in the medical word urination?
A) yoo
B) rih
C) nay
D) shun
Answer: C
Explanation:
A) This is not the primary accented syllable.
B) This is not the primary accented syllable.
C) Correct!
D) This is not the primary accented syllable.
128) Which syllable is the primary accented syllable in the medical word arthropathy?
A) ar
B) thrawp
C) ah
D) thee
Answer: B
Explanation:
A) This is not the primary accented syllable.
B) Correct!
C) This is not the primary accented syllable.
D) This is not the primary accented syllable.
129) Which combining form is related to a structure that might cause pain when you walk?
A) hepat/oB) arthr/oC) enter/oD) cost/oAnswer: B
Explanation:
A) The liver (hepat/o-) does not cause pain when you walk.
B) Correct!
C) The intestine (enter/o-) does not cause pain when you walk.
D) The rib (cost/o-) does not cause pain when you walk.
130) During an interview with a patient, the healthcare provider documents the abbreviation CC
in the patient's medical record. The abbreviation CC means:
A) chief complaint.
B) complete blood count.
C) coronary concerns.
D) cubic centimeter.
Answer: A
Explanation:
A) Correct!
B) The abbreviation CC does mean complete blood count.
C) The abbreviation CC does not mean coronary concerns.
D) While the abbreviation cc stands for cubic centimeter; in this context, the abbreviation CC
stands for chief complaint.
131) For a patient who is ready to be sent home from the hospital, the doctor dictates a DS. The
abbreviation DS in this setting stands for:
A) delirium seizures.
B) dental surgery.
C) dietary schedule.
D) discharge summary.
Answer: D
Explanation:
A) This is not the meaning of DS.
B) This is not the meaning of DS.
C) This is not the meaning of DS.
D) Correct!
132) The abbreviation for diagnosis is:
A) DG.
B) DN.
C) Ds.
D) Dx.
Answer: D
Explanation:
A) This is not the abbreviation for diagnosis.
B) This is not the abbreviation for diagnosis.
C) This is not the abbreviation for diagnosis.
D) Correct!
133) The abbreviation H&P means:
A) hemoglobin and hematocrit.
B) herniated nucleus pulposus.
C) history and physical.
D) history of pain.
Answer: C
Explanation:
A) The abbreviation H&P does not mean hemoglobin and hematocrit.
B) The abbreviation H&P does not mean herniated nucleus pulposus.
C) Correct!
D) The abbreviation H&P does not mean history of pain.
134) The abbreviation HPI, if seen on a patient's medical record, stands for:
A) health patient inquiry.
B) history and physical examination.
C) history of present illness.
D) human and pork insulin.
Answer: C
Explanation:
A) This is not the meaning of HPI.
B) This is not the meaning of HPI.
C) Correct!
D) This is not the meaning of HPI.
135) The abbreviation for physical examination is:
A) P&E.
B) PA.
C) PE.
D) Px.
Answer: C
Explanation:
A) This is not the abbreviation for physical examination.
B) This is not the abbreviation for physical examination.
C) Correct!
D) This is not the abbreviation for physical examination.
136) The abbreviation PMH might be seen in:
A) an EHR.
B) a paper medical record.
C) a CPR.
D) all of the above.
Answer: D
Explanation:
A) This is true, but it is not the only correct answer.
B) This is true, but it is not the only correct answer.
C) This is true, but it is not the only correct answer.
D) Correct!
137) The abbreviation for review of systems is:
A) R&S.
B) ROS.
C) RS.
D) SR.
Answer: B
Explanation:
A) This is not the abbreviation for review of systems.
B) Correct!
C) This is not the abbreviation for review of systems.
D) This is not the abbreviation for review of systems.
138) If the abbreviation SH is found as a heading in a patient's medical record, it means:
A) skilled health care.
B) social history.
C) subjective health.
D) suicidal history.
Answer: B
Explanation:
A) The abbreviation SH does not stand for skilled health care.
B) Correct!
C) The abbreviation SH does not stand for subjective health.
D) The abbreviation SH does not stand for suicidal history.
139) Which of the following pairs shows a misspelled plural noun?
A) epididymis, epididymides
B) carcinoma, carcinomata
C) diagnosis, diagnoses
D) patella, patellum
Answer: D
Explanation:
A) These singular and plural nouns are spelled correctly.
B) These singular and plural nouns are spelled correctly.
C) These singular and plural nouns are spelled correctly.
D) Correct! This should be patella, patellae
140) Which of the following pairs shows a misspelled plural noun?
A) bronchus, bronches
B) sclera, sclerae
C) ovum, ova
D) testis, testes
Answer: A
Explanation:
A) Correct! This should be bronchus, bronchi
B) These singular and plural nouns are spelled correctly.
C) These singular and plural nouns are spelled correctly.
D) These singular and plural nouns are spelled correctly.
141) The plural of the word bronchus is ____________.
A) bronchi
B) bronchae
C) bronchus
D) broncha
Answer: A
Explanation:
A) Correct!
B) This is not the plural of bronchus.
C) This is not the plural of bronchus.
D) This is not the plural of bronchus.
142) Which suffix indicates a surgical procedure?
A) -osis
B) tachyC) -pathy
D) -ectomy
Answer: D
Explanation:
A) The suffix -osis does not mean surgical procedure.
B) This is a prefix, not a suffix.
C) The suffix -pathy does not mean surgical procedure.
D) Correct!
143) The combining vowel is usually the letter ____________.
A) i
B) a
C) ae
D) o
Answer: D
Explanation:
A) An "i" is sometimes, but not usually, a combining vowel.
B) An "a" is sometimes, but not usually, a combining vowel.
C) The letters "ae" are a Latin plural noun ending, not a combining vowel.
D) Correct!
144) On the x-ray, Irene Rainer's spine shows several ____________ that are misaligned.
A) vertebra
B) vertebras
C) vertebri
D) vertebrae
Answer: D
Explanation:
A) This is the singular form; the sentence requires a plural form.
B) This not the plural form.
C) This is not the plural form.
D) Correct!
145) What two medical word parts combine to make a medical word that means the study of the
mind?
A) pneumon/o-, -itis
B) psych/o-, -logy
C) -pathy, neur/oD) pre-, -graphy
Answer: B
Explanation:
A) These word parts make a medical word that means inflammation of the lung.
B) Correct!
C) These word parts make a medical word that means disease of the nerves.
D) This prefix and suffix do not make a medical word.
146) Which prefix means the opposite of hypo-?
A) preB) polyC) hyperD) subAnswer: C
Explanation:
A) The prefix pre- is not the opposite of hypo-.
B) The prefix poly- is not the opposite of hypoC) Correct!
D) The prefix sub- is not the opposite of hypo-.
147) In what order should you put the meanings of the word parts in order to get the definition of
the entire medical word?
A) combining form, combining form, prefix
B) suffix, combining form, prefix
C) prefix, suffix, combining form
D) suffix, prefix, combining form
Answer: D
Explanation:
A) This order will not give you the correct definition of the medical word.
B) This order will not give you the correct definition of the medical word.
C) This order will not give you the correct definition of the medical word.
D) Correct!
148) The medical word drug originated from the ____________ language.
A) French
B) Latin
C) Greek
D) Dutch
Answer: D
Explanation:
A) The word drug is not French in origin.
B) The word drug is Latin in origin.
C) The word drug is Greek in origin.
D) Correct!
1.2 Short Answer Questions
1) Dermatology is the ____________ of the skin.
Answer: study
2) In the word intravenous, the prefix intra- means ____________.
Answer: within
3) Cardiomegaly means ____________ of the heart.
Answer: enlargement
4) The prefix that means slow is ____________.
Answer: brady-
5) The plural of diagnosis is ____________.
Answer: diagnoses
6) ____________ is the study of word origins.
Answer: Etymology
7) The ____________ ____________ of a medical word is the foundation of the word.
Answer: combining form
8) ____________ is a combining form meaning lung or air.
Answer: Pneumon/o-
9) ____________ is a combining form meaning heart.
Answer: Cardi/o-
10) The suffix ____________ means process of recording.
Answer: -graphy
11) The prefix in the word bradycardia means ____________.
Answer: slow
12) The paper or computerized or electronic ____________ ____________ is where healthcare
professionals document all care provided to a patient.
Answer: medical record
13) After the physician describes the purpose of the surgery, the patient signs a __________ to
surgery form.
Answer: consent
14) The study of the heart is known as ____________.
Answer: cardiology
15) A combining form contains two parts: a ___________ and a combining vowel.
Answer: root
16) A ____________ is always positioned at the end of a medical word.
Answer: suffix
17) The abbreviation Dx stands for ____________.
Answer: diagnosis
18) The abbreviation PE stands for ____________ ____________.
Answer: physical examination
19) The combining form ____________ means stomach.
Answer: gastr/o-
20) The combining form ____________ means mind.
Answer: psych/o21) The combining form append/o- means ____________.
Answer: appendix
22) The combining form arthr/o- means ____________.
Answer: joint
23) The combining form cutane/o- means ____________.
Answer: skin
24) The combining form gastr/o- means ____________.
Answer: stomach
25) The combining form hepat/o- means ____________.
Answer: liver
26) The combining form mamm/o- means ____________.
Answer: breast
27) The combining form cost/o- means ____________.
Answer: rib
28) The combining form neur/o- means ____________.
Answer: nerve
29) The combining form psych/o- means ____________.
Answer: mind
30) The combining form cholecyst/o- means ____________.
Answer: gallbladder
31) The combining form _________ means process of breaking down or destroying.
Answer: -lysis
32) The combining form enter/o- means ____________.
Answer: intestine
33) The combining form pleg/o- means ____________.
Answer: paralysis
34) The combining form ment/o- means ____________.
Answer: mind
35) The combining form ven/o- means ____________.
Answer: vein
36) The combining form later/o- means ____________.
Answer: side
37) The combining form hyster/o- means ____________.
Answer: uterus
38) There are three different kinds of word parts: prefixes, combining forms, and ____________.
Answer: suffixes
39) The combining vowel allows the combining form to join with the ____________.
Answer: suffix
40) A ____________ is found at the end of a medical word.
Answer: suffix
41) A ____________, which is found at the end of a medical word, can be a single letter.
Answer: suffix
42) Occasionally, a medical word has two ____________ at the beginning of the medical word,
one right after the other.
Answer: prefixes
43) The prefix peri- means ____________.
Answer: around
44) The prefix brady- means ____________.
Answer: slow
45) The prefix ____________ means before; in front of.
Answer: pre-
46) The prefix tachy- means ____________.
Answer: fast
47) The prefix ____________ means again and again.
Answer: re-
48) The prefix ____________ means upon; above.
Answer: epi-
49) The prefix ____________ means within.
Answer: intra-
50) The prefix anti- means ____________.
Answer: against
51) When you combine word parts to build a medical word, if the ____________ begins with a
vowel, delete the combining vowel on the combining form.
Answer: suffix
52) To define a medical word that contains a combining form and a suffix, you start with the
meaning of the ____________ first.
Answer: suffix
53) To define a medical word that contains a prefix, combining form, and suffix, you start with
the meaning of the ____________ first.
Answer: suffix
54) To form the plural of a singular Latin noun that ends in -is, you change the -is to
____________.
Answer: -es
55) To form the plural of a singular Latin noun that ends in -a, you change the -a to
____________.
Answer: -ae
56) To form the plural of a singular Greek noun that ends in -nx, you change the -nx into
____________.
Answer: -nges
57) One of the disadvantages related to a ____________ medical record is that only one
healthcare professional can access it at a time.
Answer: paper
58) Before patients can be treated in any type of a healthcare facility, they must sign a
____________ form that gives physicians and other healthcare professionals the right to treat
them.
Answer: consent
59) Treatment without consent could constitute ____________.
Answer: battery
60) Under the federal regulation of ____________ (use the abbreviation), all healthcare settings
must provide patients with a statement verifying that their medical record information is secure
and is only released to authorized healthcare providers, insurance companies, or healthcare
quality monitoring organizations.
Answer: HIPAA
1.3 True False Questions
1) Medical words are derived from several languages, including Latin and Greek.
Answer: TRUE
Explanation: Many medical words are from Latin or Greek words or other languages such as
Dutch, French, and English.
2) Not every medical word contains a combining form.
Answer: TRUE
Explanation: Some words, such as nurse, have no word parts.
3) Prefixes and suffixes modify the meaning of a medical word.
Answer: TRUE
Explanation: Just like in regular English, prefixes and suffixes in medical words modify the
meaning of the word.
4) Medical words only contain one combining form.
Answer: FALSE
Explanation: Medical words may contain one or more combining forms.
5) Every medical word contains a suffix.
Answer: FALSE
Explanation: Some words, such as nurse, have no word parts.
6) Every medical word contains a prefix.
Answer: FALSE
Explanation: Not every medical word contains a prefix; it is an optional word part.
7) A prefix can be as small as a single letter.
Answer: TRUE
Explanation: A- is a one-letter prefix meaning without.
8) In order to define a medical word, you must first find the meaning of the suffix, followed by
the prefix, and finally, the combining form.
Answer: TRUE
Explanation: By putting the meanings of the word parts in this order, you get the definition of the
medical word.
9) The patient's medical record is considered a legal document.
Answer: TRUE
Explanation: Not only does the patient’s health or medical record contain medical information, it
is also considered a legal document.
10) The suffixes -ac, -ar, and -al, mean pertaining to.
Answer: TRUE
Explanation: Many suffixes mean pertaining to. They are all used to create adjective forms.
11) All medical and anatomical words have their origin in the Greek and Latin languages.
Answer: FALSE
Explanation: Some medical words originated in English, Dutch, French, and other languages.
12) The suffix -scopy means the process of recording.
Answer: FALSE
Explanation: The suffix -graphy means the process of recording.
13) A neuroma is a tumor of a nerve.
Answer: TRUE
Explanation: Neur/o- means nerve and -oma means tumor.
14) The condition hypothyroidism refers to a disease caused by above-normal functioning of the
thyroid gland.
Answer: FALSE
Explanation: In hypothyroidism, the amount of thyroid hormone is below normal or deficient.
15) Volunteering to help in a medical setting is a good substitute for actually studying medical
language.
Answer: FALSE
Explanation: There is no substitute for a thorough, working knowledge of medical language
obtained through formal study.
16) Medical language is the key to a successful career in the healthcare field.
Answer: TRUE
Explanation: Success in the healthcare field comes from knowing medical language.
17) Healthcare professionals use medical language every day to communicate with patients, but
not with other healthcare professionals.
Answer: FALSE
Explanation: Healthcare professionals use medical language to communicate both with patients
and with other healthcare professionals such as doctors, technicians, and nurses.
18) The combining vowel gives meaning to the medical word.
Answer: FALSE
Explanation: The combining form is the foundation of the medical word and gives meaning to
the medical word. The combining vowel helps the combining form connect to another combining
form or a suffix.
19) A medical word always has a prefix, combining form, and a suffix.
Answer: FALSE
Explanation: A medical word usually has a combining form and a suffix, but a prefix is an
optional word part.
20) The combining form append/o- means appendix.
Answer: TRUE
21) The combining form arthr/o- means joint.
Answer: TRUE
22) The combining form cardi/o- means heart.
Answer: TRUE
23) The combining form communicat/o- means to speak.
Answer: FALSE
Explanation: Communicat/o- means impart; transmit.
24) The combining form cutane/o- means medicine.
Answer: FALSE
Explanation: Cutane/o- means skin.
25) The combining form esthes/o- means sensation; feeling.
Answer: TRUE
26) The combining form gastr/o- means nerve.
Answer: FALSE
Explanation: Gastr/o- means stomach.
27) The combining form hem/o- means blood vessel.
Answer: FALSE
Explanation: Hem/o- means blood.
28) The combining form hepat/o- means liver.
Answer: TRUE
29) The combining form laryng/o- means larynx (voice box).
Answer: TRUE
30) The combining form mamm/o- means liver.
Answer: FALSE
Explanation: The combining form mamm/o- means breast. Hepat/o- means liver.
31) The combining form medic/o- means physician; medicine.
Answer: TRUE
32) The combining form enter/o- means intestine.
Answer: TRUE
33) The combining form neur/o- means nerve.
Answer: TRUE
34) The combining form pneumon/o- means breath.
Answer: FALSE
Explanation: The combining form pneumon/o- means lung; air.
35) The combining form psych/o- means mind.
Answer: TRUE
36) The combining form thyroid/o- means thyroid gland.
Answer: TRUE
37) The combining form tonsill/o- means tonsil.
Answer: TRUE
38) The combining form trache/o- means trachea (windpipe).
Answer: TRUE
39) The combining form urin/o- has only one definition, urine.
Answer: FALSE
Explanation: It means urine; urinary system.
40) The combining form ven/o- means venous.
Answer: FALSE
Explanation: The combining form means vein. Venous is an adjective.
41) Communication in any language consists of three language skills.
Answer: FALSE
Explanation: Communication consists of five language skills.
42) There are three different kinds of word parts.
Answer: TRUE
43) The suffix is the foundation of a medical word.
Answer: FALSE
Explanation: The combining form is the foundation of a medical word.
44) A suffix allows the combining form to join with other word parts.
Answer: FALSE
Explanation: This is the job of the combining vowel, not the suffix.
45) A medical word can only contain one combining form.
Answer: FALSE
Explanation: A medical word can contain more than one combining form.
46) Combining forms modify the meaning of the prefixes or suffixes.
Answer: FALSE
Explanation: Prefixes and suffixes modify the meaning of combining forms.
47) If present, a suffix is found at the beginning of the medical word.
Answer: FALSE
Explanation: A suffix is always found at the end of a medical word.
48) A suffix can be a single letter.
Answer: TRUE
49) The suffix -ac means pertaining to.
Answer: TRUE
50) The suffix -al means pertaining to.
Answer: TRUE
51) The suffix -ary means pertaining to.
Answer: TRUE
52) The suffix -ation means pertaining to.
Answer: FALSE
Explanation: The suffix –ation means a process; being or having.
53) The suffix -ic means pertaining to.
Answer: TRUE
54) The suffix -ous means pertaining to.
Answer: TRUE
55) The suffix -ism means process; disease from a specific cause.
Answer: TRUE
56) The suffix -itis means inflammation of; infection of.
Answer: TRUE
57) The suffix -megaly means disease; suffering.
Answer: FALSE
Explanation: The suffix –pathy means disease; suffering. The suffix –megaly means
enlargement.
58) The suffix -oma means cancer.
Answer: FALSE
Explanation: The suffix –oma means tumor; mass. Some are benign; some are cancerous.
59) The suffix -osis means condition; abnormal condition; process.
Answer: TRUE
60) The suffix -pathy means disease; suffering.
Answer: TRUE
61) The suffix -ectomy means cut into.
Answer: FALSE
Explanation: The suffix –ectomy means surgical excision (removal).
62) The suffix -graphy means procedure.
Answer: FALSE
Explanation: The suffix –graphy means process of recording.
63) The suffix -iatry means surgical excision.
Answer: FALSE
Explanation: The suffix –ectomy means surgical excision; -iatry means medical treatment.
64) The suffix -logy means the study of.
Answer: TRUE
65) The suffix -scopy means process of cutting or making an incision.
Answer: FALSE
Explanation: The suffix –tomy means process of cutting or making an incision; -scopy means
process of using an instrument to examine.
66) The suffix -stomy means surgically created opening.
Answer: TRUE
67) All medical words contain a prefix.
Answer: FALSE
Explanation: Some medical words such as nurse do not contain any word parts.
68) A prefix can be a single letter.
Answer: TRUE
69) A medical word can only contain one prefix.
Answer: FALSE
Explanation: Occasionally, a medical word has two prefixes, one right after the other.
70) If present, a prefix can be found either at the beginning or ending of a medical word.
Answer: FALSE
Explanation: If present, a prefix is always at the beginning of a medical word.
71) A prefix modifies the meaning of the suffix.
Answer: FALSE
Explanation: A prefix modifies the meaning of a combining form.
72) The prefix endo- means above; more than normal.
Answer: FALSE
Explanation: The prefix endo- means within; hyper- means above; more than normal.
73) The prefix intra- means between.
Answer: FALSE
Explanation: The prefix intra- means within; inter- means between.
74) The prefix peri- means around.
Answer: TRUE
75) The prefix sub- means below; underneath; less than.
Answer: TRUE
76) The prefix hyper- means below; deficient.
Answer: FALSE
Explanation: The prefix hyper- means above; more than normal; hypo- means below; deficient;
77) The prefix hypo- means above; more than normal.
Answer: FALSE
Explanation: The prefix hypo- means below; deficient; hyper- means above; more than normal.
78) The prefix poly- means five.
Answer: FALSE
Explanation: The prefix poly- means many; much.
79) The prefix brady- means fast.
Answer: FALSE
Explanation: The prefix brady- means slow; tachy- means fast.
80) The prefix pre- means after; behind.
Answer: FALSE
Explanation: The prefix pre- means before; in front of; post- means after; behind.
81) The prefix post- means before; in front of.
Answer: FALSE
Explanation: The prefix post- means after; behind; pre- means before; in front of.
82) The prefix tachy- means slow.
Answer: FALSE
Explanation: The prefix tachy- means fast; brady- means slow.
83) When you combine word parts to build medical words, if the suffix begins with a vowel,
delete the combining vowel on the combining form.
Answer: TRUE
84) If a prefix ends in a vowel, delete the vowel when combining it to the combining form.
Answer: FALSE
Explanation: If a suffix ends in a vowel, this describes what you do.
85) To define a medical word that contains a combining form and a suffix, you put the meaning
of the suffix first, followed by the meaning of the combining form.
Answer: TRUE
86) To define a medical word that contains a prefix, combining form, and suffix; you put the
word part meanings in this order: the meaning of the prefix, the meaning of the suffix, the
meaning of the combining form.
Answer: FALSE
Explanation: You put the word part meanings in this order: suffix, prefix, combining form.
87) Etymology is the study of word origins.
Answer: TRUE
88) To change a singular Latin noun that ends in –a into its plural form, you change the -a to -ae.
Answer: TRUE
89) To change a singular Latin noun that ends in -us into its plural form, you change the -us to is.
Answer: FALSE
Explanation: You change the –us to –i.
90) To change a singular Latin noun that ends in -um into its plural form, you change the -um to us.
Answer: FALSE
Explanation: You change the –um to –a.
91) To change a singular Latin noun that ends in -is into its plural form, you change the -is to -es.
Answer: TRUE
92) To change a singular Greek noun that ends in -nx into its plural form, you change the -nx to a.
Answer: FALSE
Explanation: You change the –nx to –nges.
93) To change a singular Greek noun that ends in -on into its plural form, you change the -on
to -nges.
Answer: FALSE
Explanation: You change the –on to –a.
94) One of the disadvantages related to a paper medical record is that only one healthcare
professional can access it at a time.
Answer: TRUE
95) Before patients can be treated at any type of a healthcare facility, they must sign a HIPAA
form that gives physicians and other healthcare professionals the right to treat them.
Answer: FALSE
Explanation: They must sign a consent to treatment form. HIPAA is a government law that
healthcare settings must give the patient a statement that medical record information is secure.
1.4 Essay Questions
1) Describe the process of analysis that is used to define a medical word.
Answer: First, identify each word part and then give its meaning. Then put the meanings of the
word parts in order beginning with the suffix, followed by the prefix, and then the combining
form. Finally, add small connecting words to make a correct and complete definition.
2) Why are so many medical words derived from Latin or Greek?
Answer: The great ancient Greek and Roman civilizations advanced the study and the practice
of medicine. Their knowledge of anatomy, diseases, and treatments served as a foundation for
modern medical knowledge and medical language represents this.
3) List the five separate language skills that are critical to communicate in medical language.
Answer: Reading, listening, thinking/analyzing/understanding, writing/typing/spelling, and
speaking/pronouncing.
4) Briefly explain the origins of medical words.
Answer: Many medical words are derived from ancient Latin and Greek words. Sometimes the
words are very similar to the original Latin and Greek words. Some medical words are also
derived from other languages, such as English, Dutch, and French.
5) List three characteristics of a combining form.
Answer: Here are some (but not all) of the characteristics of combining forms:
∙
A combining form is a word part that is the foundation of a word.
∙
A combining form gives the word its main medical meaning.
∙
A combining form has a root, a forward slash, a combining vowel, and a final hyphen.
∙
Most medical words contain a combining form.
∙
Sometimes a medical word contains two or more combining forms.